At a church officers meeting in 2016, Robert Wagley, executive secretary of the Iowa-Missouri Conference, presented on the importance of church greeters and discussed the impact a church entrance’s appearance can have on a visitor. He encouraged everyone to go back to their own churches and try to see things through the eyes of a visitor.
Was the entrance and foyer clean and uncluttered? Was it too dark or dated?
When I returned home, I gave our church’s foyer a good look. The front doors needed a new coat of varnish, the foyer was a little cluttered, and the decor needed some updating. I put together a proposal and presented it to the church board, they approved the changes, and work began. Church members helped in various areas according to their gifts, and in no time fresh paint, new lighting and furniture were put in place.
Each week the members couldn’t wait to see how the makeover was progressing, but as work progressed another problem became evident. While the front doors and foyer looked great, it was now easy to see the age of other features around the church.
I looked into what it would cost to remodel the bathrooms, the mother’s room, and the church sanctuary. I took ideas from others and incorporated them into the plans. A decorating committee was formed and changes were put into motion. Church members held yard sales and made donations to raise the needed funds, and when several nonmembers heard about the project they also wanted to help.
Bathrooms are now more handicap accessible and updated. The sanctuary has been refreshed with new paint, carpet, window blinds, stone work on the baptistry wall, stylish lighting, new hymnals, and an electronic baby-grand piano. The stairs from the baptistry have new oak risers, vinyl stair treads, and a hand rail for better safety.
God has blessed in abundance. The church thanks its members who helped make the changes possible, as well as friends who took part. Never underestimate what God and do when we work together.
